2020 NFL Draft: Luke Inman's Mock Draft 4.0

Photo Credit: Vasha Hunt (USA Today Sports)
By Luke Inman - February 6, 2020

CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE ZONE COVERAGE DRAFT GUIDE:

TOP 100 PLAYER PROFILES
RANKING THE VIKINGS NEEDS
EXPLORING VIKINGS DRAFT TRENDS
A HISTORY OF RICK SPIELMAN’S DRAFT TRADES
LUKE INMAN’S MOCK DRAFTS
VIKINGS TARGETS
SENIOR BOWL CENTRAL
FEATURES FROM OUR STAFF

Check out Luke Inman’s previous mock drafts.

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Version 3.0

1)  Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

The hottest name in college sports, Burrow just put up one of the most efficient collegiate seasons from a signal-caller we’ve ever seen, possessing all the tools you either have, or you don’t, including elite pocket presence and natural feel.

Finally, Zac Taylor and the Bengals can officially start their rebuild.

2) Washington Redskins: Chase Young, DE, Ohio State 

Go ahead and write these first two picks in sharpie as Young to the Redskins is virtually a done deal even months before the draft. Finding guys who can get after the passer in a pass-happy league are invaluable and Young has the toolbox to come in and make an immediate impact for years to come. If we’re going off overall grades, Young is the top player in the class.

3) Indianapolis Colts: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
(Trade with Lions for Picks 13, 34, 44, 2021 second-round pick)

This is where the draft officially starts and, pending Tua Tagovailoa’s medical reports, could be the sweet spot for QB-needy teams to package a deal and move up to secure him.

After wisely moving back last year the Colts have plenty of ammo to make a big jump up from pick 13 to grab one of the best quarterback prospects we’ve seen since, ironically, Andrew Luck.

4) New York Giants: Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama

Dave Gettleman has his entire Giants career rolling on the arm of Daniel Jones, which win or lose will buy him some time. Bolstering his trenches with more Pro Bowl talent should buy him even more time. That’s the Gettleman way.

While it may be boring, they have to pull the trigger on a new cornerstone tackle after witnessing a major decline of former Pro Bowler Nate Solder and not much talent behind him on the roster. While I foresee a run on tackles in the top-15 picks, Wills is still the clear-cut top dog for my money with a powerful and polished skill set that is about to crush the doubters next month at the combine.

This offense has quietly built an extremely young and talented core to build with including Jones, Saquon Barkley, Sterling Shepard, Golden Tate, Evan Engram and Darius Slayton. However, without the proper protection up front, they will never maximize their ceilings.

5) Miami Dolphins: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon 

It’s tough to draw them up any better than Herbert at 6’6” and 220 pounds with the best arm of the class. Not to mention Herbert is mobile and smooth in the pocket, creating plays on the run when things break down.

The Dolphins stay put and save their ammo to help build around this big-time talent before a major drop off.

6) Los Angeles Chargers: Jeffery Okudah, CB, Ohio State 

Okudah is special and has always dominated his competition going back to high school as the country’s top cornerback recruit, living up to the hype every step of the way as a vacuum-tight cover corner.

When you’re drafting this high you must be sure to come away with a special talent at premier positions and in a pass-happy league you just can’t have enough cover cornerbacks. With no quarterback left worth an early selection, adding Okudah to talents like Joey Bosa, Derwin James and Melvin Engram makes this defense one of the best on paper at all three levels.

7) Carolina Panthers: Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn 

With the sudden retirement of Luke Kuechly the Panthers will need to add more instant impact players into their front-seven right out the gate. The former SEC defensive player of the year is a great starting spot for Matt Rhule’s rebuild in Carolina as one of the surest picks in the entire class.

8) Arizona Cardinals: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

You want to run an Air-Raid offense? Adding one of the most explosive wide receivers you’ll find into Kliff Kingsbury’s arsenal is an extraordinary start to the building process. Lamb has dominated defenses from the outside against top-tier press defenders while showing off an absurd broken tackle rate (26 broken tackles on 51 catches) that makes him truly special.

Cardinals can’t go wrong with any one of these top wide-outs or offensive linemen. As long as they are protecting their investment in Kyler Murray and his development there is no wrong choice.

9) Jacksonville Jaguars: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson

I love this kid. Simmons is a joker that roams the field and flies to the ball to constantly disrupt and make plays. Flip on a Clemson Tigers game, and it’s easy to see why Simmons is inching himself toward being a legitimate top ten pick. In a league where drawing up mismatches is the name of the game Simmons gives coaches the rare ability to be equally imposing at the first, second and third level of the defense.

You wouldn’t even believe me if I told you all the different positions Simmons lined up at for the Tigers, and like 2018 Defensive Rookie of the Year Derwin James, will have an immediate impact all over the field.

10) Cleveland Browns: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia 

New head coach Kevin Stefanski has the luxury of taking over an already-talented roster with a still young and budding quarterback. While Baker Mayfield took a step back during a sophomore slump campaign, it was clear he was never offered the proper protection for him to take that next step.

With loads of talented play-makers across their offense, shoring up their trenches will be the offensive-minded Stefanski’s first order of business.

11): Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
(Trade with Jets for Picks 14, 76)

PFF has Kinlaw as the highest pass rushing grade in 2018 of any returning defensive player (88.7). What does he do in 2019? He somehow gets better, posting a 90 grade with 40 pressures. At 6’6”,310, with biceps as big as an 18-wheeler, Kinlaw’s first step jumps off the tape for such a big man and helps him be disruptive from the interior and get after the passer. He’s without a doubt the best pass-rushing defensive tackle in this class.

The Buccaneers swap firsts and give up their third to move up and secure one of the hottest names in the draft class that stole the show in Mobile. Pairing Kinlaw next to Vita Vea and Devin White forms one of the most formidable front-sevens in football.

With so many areas of improvement needed, there’s a strong case for the Jets to trade down. Loading up on extra ammo will quickly help aid one of the weakest rosters in the entire league.

12) Las Vegas Raiders: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama 

The former Biletnikoff Award winner, Jeudy is, in my opinion, a generational talent with the best route running and separation skills I’ve scouted since Amari Cooper.

If the long term plan is to stick with Derek Carr, then replenishing the weapons around him will be vital for this offense’s short- and long-term success as Tyrell Williams and Zay Jones won’t cut it.

13) Detroit Lions:  Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU 

Fulton was one of, if not the highest rated cornerbacks, in the SEC for not one, but two full seasons. Getting a nasty cornerback duo back on defense is a top priority for Matt Patricia’s defensive scheme, and the Lions can now use their extra pick to upgrade elsewhere.

14)  Baltimore Ravens: Henry Ruggs, WR, Alabama
(Trade with Jets for Picks 28, 60, 115, 2021 3rd-Round Pick) 

I’m telling you right now, if the rumors are true of Ruggs running in the 4.2s (if not faster) during the combine then he’ll cement himself in the top 15 picks. In a league that craves home-run speed, John Harbaugh just can’t contain himself, pulling the trigger on this stick of dynamite after seeing 24 of his 98 catches resulted in touchdowns.

With a Super Bowl roster already in place, giving Lamar Jackson another blazer to create big plays down the field now gives the Kansas City Chiefs a run for their money as the most explosive offense in the entire NFL.

15) Denver Broncos: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa

All signs point to John Elway landing his quarterback of the future in Drew Lock after a rock solid last month of the season.

Wirfs is one of the top tackles in the draft left before a major drop off, meaning plucking him here could only add an elite talent but offer tremendous value while helping aid the development of Lock and this new-look offense under Pat Shurmur.

16): Atlanta Falcons: K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU  

When you watch Chaisson explode off the edge with burst and Gumby-like bend, he feels like the perfect Dan Quinn defender with the highest upside of any edge rusher. Still highly untapped, Chaisson has the raw attributes to be a double-digit sack monster with Quinn maximizing his versatility with both his hand in the dirt and standing up.

His position says defensive end but don’t be fooled, I think he can do a little bit of everything from dropping back in coverage to moving up and down the defensive line. This is one guy I’m calling now who, with a good combine, could soar up the draft boards come April.

17) Dallas Cowboys: Grant Delpit, S, LSU 

There might not be a better marriage between team and prospect than this. The Cowboys desperately need help in the back end of their defense to help close out games while, despite his inconsistencies tackling, Delpit offers the range and play-making instincts worthy of a top-20 pick. You’ll hear plenty about his mistakes, but remember this, in his last three games Delpit missed zero tackles on the biggest stage of his career, quieting his doubters heading into the draft.

18) Miami Dolphins (via Steelers): A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa 

Forget the name, school and position. When it comes to rebuild mode any front office should be concerned with one thing only which is adding the best pure talent with every selection. We see it every year as one “sure thing” slips further than they should into the late teens.

Enter Epenesa who, if taken in the top 10, nobody would bat an eye. After a dominant 2018 season Espensa showed off more versatility this season, grinding away on interior linemen with his heavy hands and non-stop motor. A three-down defender equally stout versus the run and pass will help as the Dolphins start to build their respect back inside the trenches of Brian Flores.

19) Oakland Raiders (via Bears): Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson 

If you were going to double-dip in a draft class of wide-outs this is the time to do it. With just Tyrell Williams and Zay Jones the Raiders’ pass attack needs to be replenished. Higgins is a big-bodied jump ball receiver to go with outstanding route-runner Jerry Jeudy, turning a weakness into a strength.

20) Jacksonville Jaguars (via Rams): Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado 

If the Jaguars want to get serious about Gardner Minshew then adding more playmakers around him will only help maximize his development. Now with D.J. Chark, Dede Westbrook and Shenault the Jaguars have multiple threats to stretch the field.

21) Philadelphia Eagles: C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida 

The Eagles continue to pump draft picks into the cornerback position with little results. Whether it’s unlucky injuries or just bad development, the Eagles will be forced to continue to try their luck at the position. Lucky for them this class is loaded, meaning if they stay patient and true to the board, a quality talent like Henderson should fall right in their laps.

Henderson excels in man coverage with good size and sticky technique to instantly improve the secondary for Doug Pederson. With so many good cornerbacks stacked up in the same range, Henderson’s combine could impact his draft stock for good or bad.

22) Buffalo Bills: Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU 

With all the speed and athleticism you covet at the position, Reagor is a big-play machine that produced at a high level (over 1,000 yards in 2018) despite being surrounded by inconsistent quarterback play throughout his career.

Arguably the surprise team of the AFC, the Bills and Sean McDermott are giving every opponent a serious run for their money. Adding a dangerous threat into the passing game like this will help Josh Allen close out games late.

23) Los Angeles Chargers: Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
(Trade with Patriots: Picks 37, 75, 2021 1st-Round)

The Chargers have decided to part ways with long time signal-caller Philip Rivers, forcing them to find their new quarterback of the future come draft weekend.

Love has the highest upside of any of his peers, making this trade-up well worth the price tag if the Chargers can maximize his potential.

Still feels like Tom Brady finds his way back into New England and with all these extra picks will be surrounded by a new crop of young talent.

24) New Orleans Saints: Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama 

He may be raw after converting from wideout his freshman year, but Trevon Diggs (younger brother to Stefon) carries that same receiver mentality, running routes better than his opponents. You just don’t find 6’2”, 200-pound cover corners that can fly around like Diggs, offering one of the biggest ceilings of any player in the entire class.

25) Minnesota Vikings: Josh Jones, OT, Houston 

When it comes to creating plays outside the pocket Kirk Cousins has regressed into one of the most inefficient in the league. When given a clean pocket, however, Cousins is one of the best passers you will find. Adding Jones into the mix allows the team to kill two birds with one stone by sliding Riley Reiff into left guard, giving them a major upgrade over Pat Elflein.

Jones was a monster all week at the Senior Bowl with his massive frame and surprisingly smooth feet. His athletic skill-set is a match made in heaven for Gary Kubiak’s zone scheme. With Jones and Brian O’Neill as their bookend tackles along with Garrett Bradbury and Josh Kline, the Vikings suddenly have dominant potential in their offensive trenches for the first time in over a decade.

26) Miami Dolphins: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville

You’ve got your new franchise signal caller. Now it’s time to maximize his skillset and surround him with the protection and talent to let him flourish. You may not know it now, but Becton is going to fly up draft boards thanks to a rare 6’8”, 360-pound frame you just can’t find.

With a boat load of ammo including five picks in the top-60 the Dolphins are ready to prove a quick turnaround is possible in today’s NFL.

27) Seattle Seahawks: Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State  

It sounds more and more like the Seahawks will pass on re-signing Clowney, who will likely demand close to $20 million a year.

Gross-Matos and his ridiculous 20 tackles for loss give this defense another high-upside weapon similar to Clowney for a fraction of the price.

28) New York Jets: Kenneth Murray, ILB, Oklahoma 

The Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year, Murray has been a man amongst boys his entire collegiate career. Murray has that nastiness and competitive toughness you crave on your defense that will set the tone inside your front seven.

Despite the league devaluing the linebacker position highly in the draft, Murray is far too talented with natural football speed and IQ to pass up here. The Jets need to add more playmakers around Jamal Adams, and Murray is exactly that.

29) Tennessee Titans: Julian Okwara, EDGE, Notre Dame 

Put me in the minority, but I’m a fan of what Mike Vrabel has done to the culture of this team. Turning around the defensive identity while patiently waiting for the development of his quarterback play to peak has been fun to watch. Although the production hasn’t always been there, Okwara’s athletic traits are really impressive for his size, which is something that should shine during the testing portion of the process.

Okwara will form a highly dangerous duo next to last year’s first rounder Jeffery Simmons. Sprinkle in Rashaan Evans, Harold Landry and Cameron Wake and Vrabel has all the toys he needs to unleash his aggressive style of defense to the top of the division.

30) Green Bay Packers: Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State 

It’s no secret the Packers have to add a playmaker in the passing game here with virtually no one behind Davante Adams. Lucky for them this is the best wideout class since 2014, meaning a special talent like Aiyuk will get pushed down into their laps.

Aiyuk was the best amongst his peers for arguably the past two years in the Pac-12, including his former teammate and first-round pick N’Keal Harry. With freaky long arms and explosive short-area quickness, Ayuik helps alleviate some pressure off Aaron Rodgers for his final stretch.

31) San Francisco 49ers: Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama

One of the hottest young teams in the league, John Lynch’s bold moves are making himself and Kyle Shanahan look like a couple of geniuses after representing the NFC in the Super Bowl.

Lynch must prepare for life after Jimmie Ward, who’s set to go get paid in free agency. Another playmaker in space that can hang with tight ends up the seam, McKinney has great range and outstanding tackling skills to step into a starting lineup from the get go.

32) Kansas City Chiefs: Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia 

The Cavaliers have quietly pumped some serious secondary talent into the NFL as of late with players like Anthony Harris and Juan Thornhill. On paper and in the film room Hall is going to be the best of the bunch with a strong, imposing stature and aggressive physicality that you crave at the position.

After the departure of Marcus Peters, the Chiefs, while possessing solid depth at the position, lack that one high-end player they feel confident can lock down opposing teams’ number one weapon. No offense puts up more points than the Chiefs, so adding players that can help close out games defensively late in the fourth quarter are vital.

Round Two

33. Cincinnati Bengals —  Austin Jackson, OT, USC

34. Detroit Lions (via IND) — Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma

35. Detroit Lions — Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU

36. New York Giants — Zach Baun, EDGE, Wisconsin

37. New England Patriots (via LAC) — Bradley Anae, EDGE, Utah

38. Carolina Panthers — Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU

39. Miami Dolphins — J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ohio State

40. Arizona Cardinals — Prince Tega Wanogho, OT, Auburn

41. Cleveland Browns — Ashtyn Davis, FS, Cal

42. Jacksonville Jaguars — D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia

43. Chicago Bears (via LVR) — Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame

44. Detroit Lions (via IND) —  Curtis Weaver, EDGE, Boise State

45. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Jacob Eason, QB, Washington

46. Denver Broncos — A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson

47. Atlanta Falcons — Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio State

48. New York Jets — Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor

49. Pittsburgh Steelers — Terrell Lewis, EDGE, Alabama

50. Chicago Bears — Llyod Cushenberry III, IOL, LSU

51. Dallas Cowboys — Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi State

52. Los Angeles Rams — Lucas Niang, OT, TCU

53. Philadelphia Eagles —  K.J. Hamler, WR, Penn State

54. Buffalo Bills — Van Jefferson, WR, Florida

55. Atlanta Falcons (via NE) — Justin Madubuike, DT, Texas A&M

56. Miami Dolphins (via NO) — Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU

57. Houston Texans — Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin

58. Minnesota Vikings — Tyler Biadasz, IOL, Wisconsin

59. Seattle Seahawks — K.J. Hill, WR, Ohio State

60. New York Jets (via BAL) — Michael Pittman Jr., WR, Arizona State

61. Tennessee Titans — Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia

62. Green Bay Packers — Patrick Queen, LB, LSU

63. Kansas City Chiefs (via SF) — Zach Moss, RB, Utah

64. Seattle Seahawks (via KC) — Jonah Jackson, OG, Ohio State

Round Three 

65. Cincinnati Bengals —  Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan

66. Washington Redskins — Collin Johnson, WR, Texas

67. Detroit Lions — Evan Weaver, LB, California

68. New York Jets (via NYG) — Darnay Holmes, CB, UCLA

69. Carolina Panthers — Ben Bredeson, OG, Michigan

70. Miami Dolphins — Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah

71. New England Patriots (via Chargers) — Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton

72. Arizona Cardinals — Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia

73. Jacksonville Jaguars — Raekwon Davis, DT, Alabama

74. Cleveland Browns — Ben Bartch, OT, St Johns

75. Indianapolis Colts — Tyler Johnson, WR, Minnesota

76. New York Jets (via TB) —  Jonathan Greenard, EDGE, Florida

77. Denver Broncos — Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR, Liberty

78. Atlanta Falcons — Hunter Bryant, TE, Washington

79. New York Jets — Cesar Ruiz, Interior OL, Michigan

80. Oakland Raiders — Antonie Winfield Jr., S, Minnesota

81. Oakland Raiders (via CHI) — Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB, Appalachian State

82. Dallas Cowboys — Joshua Uche, EDGE, Michigan

83. Denver Broncos (via PIT)  — Malik Harrison, LB, Ohio State

84. Los Angeles Rams — Marlon Davidson, EDGE, Auburn

85. Philadelphia Eagles —  Kyle Dugger, S, Lenoir-Rhyne

86. Buffalo Bills — Jason Strowbridge, DL, North Carolina

87. New England Patriots  — Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State

88. New Orleans Saints — Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma

89. Minnesota Vikings — Jordan Elliot, DT, Missouri

90. Cleveland Browns (via HOU) — Matt Hennessy, IOL, Temple

91. Oakland Raiders (via SEA) — Robert Hunt, Interior OL, Louisiana

92. New York Jets (via BAL) — Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU

93. Tennessee Titans — Bryce Hopkins, TE, Purdue

94. Green Bay Packers — Davon Hamilton, DT, Ohio State

95. San Francisco 49ers — Troy Pride Jr, CB, Notre Dame

96. Kansas City Chiefs — Shane Lemieux, OG, Oregon

CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE ZONE COVERAGE DRAFT GUIDE:

TOP 100 PLAYER PROFILES
RANKING THE VIKINGS NEEDS
EXPLORING VIKINGS DRAFT TRENDS
A HISTORY OF RICK SPIELMAN’S DRAFT TRADES
LUKE INMAN’S MOCK DRAFTS
VIKINGS TARGETS
SENIOR BOWL CENTRAL
FEATURES FROM OUR STAFF

Luke Inman
Luke Inman is Zone Coverage's resident NFL Draft guru and Vikings film junky. He's an aspiring scout and appears on The Zone Coverage Football Machine. Follow Luke on Twitter @Luke_Spinman.
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